035. Blacksmith Shop: The Blacksmith Song

In the 1800s, no wagon train or burgeoning town was without a blacksmith. Naper’s Settlement was no exception. The blacksmith worked with Iron, a black metal. He made and repaired all kinds of items and tools for the early settlers, for the farmers, for craftsmen and housewives and soldiers too. This song by contemporary musician Amy Lowe describes the blacksmith’s work: You can hear the blows of the hammer You can hear the bellows blow Aim well, strike the anvil Hit, hit, rotate rhythmical The blacksmith is hard at work, making and repairing Fences, plowshares, wagon wheels Latches, hinges, hooks and locks Pokers, shovels, cooking utensils Nails and rails and wagon parts Well, you can hear the blows of the hammer You can hear the bellows blow The blacksmith is hard at work Aim well, strike the anvil Bending, forging, riveting, Rounding, smoothing, decorating Punching, twisting, scrolling Swagging, straightening You can hear the blows of the hammer You can hear the bellows blow Aim well, strike the anvil Hit, hit, rotate rhythmical Dull red –just look at the color; return the metal to the fire Orange heat metal thin as can be; careful now, it bends easily Well, you can hear the blows of the hammer You can hear the bellows blow The blacksmith is hard at work Aim well, strike the anvil Flat-jawed tongs for holding metals Hardies used for cuttin’ tools Fullers used to spread the metal, coupler rings keep tongs together Shoulder joint, grasp that hammer; spread the legs and brace the body You can hear the blows of the hammer You can hear the bellows blow Aim well, strike the anvil Hit, hit, rotate rhythmical Hit, hit (3 times), hit hit rotate Hit hit, hit, hit, hit, hit, hit Rotate, rhythmical